Gov. Dannel P. Malloy announced the nomination as the 63-year-old Espinosa stood nearby with her 89-year-old mother and two children. Espinosa has served on the Appellate Court since 2011 and has served on the state Superior Court since 1992.

"Judge Espinosa has had an impressive career and is among our state's more respected jurists. She will serve the people well when confirmed to the bench," Malloy said.

Espinosa thanked the governor for his support and said she "hopes my nomination will serve as an example to young Hispanics that anything is possible. I will never forget where I came from and all of those who helped me along the way."

Espinosa is a former FBI agent and an assistant U.S. attorney who taught French and Spanish in the Southington public school system. She graduated from Central Connecticut State University in 1971, received a master's degree from Brown University in 1973 and a law degree from George Washington University in 1976.

Espinosa's nomination is likely to be cheered in Hispanic circles and state Sen.-elect Andres Ayala, D-Bridgeport, quickly praised her selection.

The nomination now heads to the General Assembly for what is expected to be a smooth confirmation.

"Judge Espinosa is a very accomplished jurist who brings a range of background experience to the court. I am confident that she will do a great job going forward," Ayala said. "I applaud the governor's commitment to diversifying the Supreme Court through the historic nomination of Judge Espinosa."